Leon Kennedy is not only one of the most iconic characters in Resident Evil history, but also one of the most beloved protagonists in gaming, period. He has long stood as one of the best examples of an “everyman” by being both relatable and yet capable under pressure, making him easy to root for even when he’s facing unimaginable horrors that might cause other video game protagonists to buckle at the knees. Now, with his highly anticipated return in Resident Evil Requiem, fans have been treated to another dozen hours or so with the widely adored character, and those who are taking their first steps into the world of Resident Evil with Requiem are beginning to learn why the world loves Leon Kennedy so much.
GameRant recently spoke with Nick Apostolides about what Leon’s return in Resident Evil Requiem means to him, as well as what his behind-the-scenes experience has been like playing the role. During the conversation, Apostolides, who has now been Leon’s voice for three entries—Resident Evil 2 remake, Resident Evil 4 remake, and now Requiem—had a hilarious two-word response when asked why he believes the character is so beloved by the franchise’s community.
Nick Apostolides Breaks Down Leon Kennedy’s Enduring Appeal
It’s a well-known fact that Resident Evil Requiem‘s Leon Kennedy is one of the most beloved protagonists of all time, but the “why” is naturally going to vary depending on who is asked. Some would say his charisma and charm, while others might mention his ability to take down horrifying zombies without running away in terror. However, there are some who would have a somewhat shallower explanation, suggesting his celebrated status in gaming ultimately comes down to his looks.
“One thing, very simple: his hair,” said actor Nick Apostolides when asked why he believes Leon is so adored by Resident Evil fans. To Apostolides’ point, the character has been labeled things like “thirst trap” and “hot uncle” before, and all the more so with his latest appearance in Resident Evil Requiem. And when it comes to his hair in particular, typing “Leon Kennedy hair” autocompletes to “haircut,” implying that at least a portion of the fandom is seemingly trying to schedule an appointment with his barber.
Of course, that’s not all Apostolides had to say about why so many treasure Leon, and why he has no problem joining the conversation as a fellow fan. Clearly intending to get a laugh with his hair comment, the actor continued with more serious remarks after that:
“No, I mean, come on, he’s charismatic, he’s funny, he doesn’t take himself too seriously, and he’s got a good heart. Ever since the beginning—the Resident Evil 2 remake—he showed his true colors and that’s who he is. He wants to help everyone around him. He’s been portrayed in some dark light in some projects and that’s only because he couldn’t help more people and all the effort that he was putting forth, nothing seemed to change. That’s the only reason he had that darkness. So, he’s altruistic. He means well. He always wants to do the right thing. He wants to do right by the people around him, save the day, and roundhouse kick a zombie’s head off. I mean, what’s there not to like?”
There is something truly timeless about a good-natured protagonist like Leon Kennedy, especially in a medium that often leans into antiheroes and brooding loners. When a character’s moral compass always seems to point in the right direction, they have a sort of gravitational pull on players that’s hard to resist. In the same way, Leon’s appeal, as Apostolides intimated, is ultimately rooted in his consistency.
That doesn’t make Leon a simple character, though, it just contextualizes his complexity differently from other layered protagonists. While some characters are complex from a moral standpoint, Leon is complex because, no matter what has happened in his past, he remains a steady force that other characters, and even players, can trust. He isn’t hardened to the point of apathy, nor is he naive to the horrors surrounding him. He feels the weight of failure, wrestles with the consequences of his missions, and still chooses to show up with empathy intact. That combination of capability and compassion makes Leon a trustworthy, endearing hero, which can go a long way in the survival horror genre.
Apostolides Has Been a Leon “Fangirl” for Nearly Three Decades
It’s worth mentioning that while Apostolides’ love for Leon Kennedy could come down to the simple fact that he has played the character for over 6 years now, that’s actually not the case. The actor has been a fan of Capcom’s survival horror franchise for 28 years now, with the original Resident Evil 2, when Leon was first introduced, being the very first Resident Evil game he ever played. When implying that he might be biased about who his favorite Resident Evil character is, Apostolides replied:
“Biased is the wrong word, because you’ve gotta understand, I’ve been a fangirl of Leon since 1998. I wasn’t portraying the guy until 18 years later. I don’t think that’s bias. He’s always been my favorite. Resident Evil 2, the original, was the first game I ever played in the franchise. It’s when I first met Leon. He was the first character I ever controlled in a Resident Evil game. Then, I went back and played the original that came out two years prior, but I’ve been with Leon, or I should say he’s been with me almost all my life, because Resident Evil 4 came out and my brother and I, we loved it. We grew up with Leon. So, he’s always been my favorite.”
Leon Kennedy’s hair might be the easy punchline, but Apostolides’ longer answer undoubtedly echoes the larger Resident Evil fanbase in their sentiments toward the character. This is a character who they have been with for almost 30 years now, and not just because he looks cool in a leather jacket. He has long been praised because he continues to show up, even when he’s tired, even when he’s carrying the weight of Raccoon City, and even when things don’t go his way. That “good-hearted stubborness,” as it might be called, is what truly keeps Leon’s legacy alive. The hair is just the cherry on top.
- Released
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February 27, 2026
- ESRB
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Mature 17+ / Intense Violence, Blood and Gore, Strong Language, In-Game Purchases
